Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Marlon Byrd is close to a three-year deal with the Chicago Cubs. Byrd put up nice numbers the past three years in Texas, and it’s easy to see why a lot of Yankees fans liked him as an option for 2010, but I’m not sure I was ever in the crowd. For reasons why, I’ll turn the floor over to Joe from River Ave. Blues.

I remember Byrd from my early days covering the Phillies organization, and I have a hard time believing that same guy is now a consistently productive outfielder. I might be completely wrong. Byrd might have made some very real changes during his time with the Rangers, but I don’t think it’s wise to look only at those three years in Texas and completely ignore the three years that came before.

As for some light Yankees reading, here’s Scoop Jackson’s interview with Curtis Granderson. There are a lot of questions about how Granderson will handle living in New York, playing for New York and dealing with the New York media. Granderson handles the questions pretty well considering he’s never lived in New York, played for New York or dealt with the New York media.

Also, if you’re looking for a fun, quick, non-Yankees read on this New Years Eve, check out Dirk Hayhurst’s latest entry for Baseball America. Terrific story about a day in the life — or at least a moment in the life — of a major league baseball player.

Depending on any sort of breaking news, today is probably going to be a light day here at the LoHud Yankees Blog. I know Sam has a post planned for later this afternoon, but that might be it until tomorrow. I’m meeting some friends for my first NYE in NYC, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

I just want to say thank you for making the past few months a lot of fun. Happy New Year everyone. Have fun. Be safe. See you in 2010.